News that the Browning 9mm pistol will cease production in 2018 after 82 years of continuous production does not faze the ADF it seems. As the standard issue side arm for the ADF, the Browning has been in service since 1972.
“The Browning 9mm pistol will remain in service until a replacement is considered under the Land 159 ADF Small Arms Replacement Project,” a Defence spokesperson said. “The Project is currently due for Government consideration in 2022.”
In response to ADM’s observation that four years is a long time between going out of production and a new weapon being introduced: “The cancellation of production of the Browning Hi-Power 9mm pistol will not affect the ADF”.
The Defence spokesperson explained there are sufficient weapons and support available until a replacement is considered by government in 2022. “Pending government approval, a new pistol would be introduced into service from 2022. This will ensure there is an overlap between the current in-service Browning and its replacement.”
ADM Comment: The fact that the Browning came into being in 1935 and has been used by over 50 militaries and police forces during its life is testament to its excellent design. But there have been advancements in design and materials in that time.
The Browning has well and truly had its day with certain parts of the ADF using Glocks on occasion. The deployment of the ADF to East Timor saw the issue of 9x19mm Glock 17 semiautomatic pistols to those ADF personnel unable to carry the F-88 rifle due to their duties. The Glock 19, aka “Model G19”, is currently issued to RAAF flight personnel who call it the JAP - “Jet Aircrew Pistol”. And of course Special Forces have had their choice of sidearms for some time with 9mm HKs and Berretas in favour.
Anecdotally, ADM understands that the ADF has enough Browning sidearms and associated parts in caches nationally to get through the period with no troubles.